General guidelines when assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion include:
- A. placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen.
- B. separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination.
- C. examining the child in the parent's arms.
- D. palpating the painful area of the abdomen first.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is essential to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach can help maintain the child's comfort, keep them calm, and increase their cooperation during the assessment. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (Choice A) can be distressing and uncomfortable for the child. Separating the child from the parent (Choice B) may cause additional stress and hinder the examination process. Palpating the painful area first (Choice D) can lead to increased discomfort and resistance from the child.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is the MOST appropriate method for assessing a small child's level of responsiveness?
- A. Palpate for a radial pulse.
- B. Shout at the child to see if they respond.
- C. Ask the parent about the child's level of responsiveness.
- D. Tap the child and shout, 'Are you okay?'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When assessing a small child's level of responsiveness, the most appropriate method is to tap the child and shout, 'Are you okay?' This approach is more likely to elicit a response from the child, providing a direct assessment of their level of consciousness and responsiveness. Palpating for a radial pulse (Choice A) is not the most direct method for assessing responsiveness in a child. Shouting at the child (Choice B) may startle them and not provide an accurate assessment. Asking the parent (Choice C) does not directly evaluate the child's responsiveness.
When assessing a 30-year-old female in labor, what should the EMT do?
- A. Ask the mother when she is expecting to deliver.
- B. Avoid questioning the patient about her medical history.
- C. Determine the stage of her labor by examining her.
- D. Recall that delivery is imminent if she is crowning.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During the assessment of a 30-year-old female in labor, the EMT should be aware that delivery is imminent if she is crowning. Crowning indicates that the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening, signaling that the birth is progressing rapidly and the baby will soon be delivered. This is a critical moment that requires preparedness for the birth process and ensuring a safe delivery environment. Choice A is incorrect because asking the mother when she is expecting to deliver is not relevant when the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening. Choice B is incorrect as obtaining the patient's medical history is essential for providing appropriate care. Choice C is incorrect because determining the stage of labor by examining the patient is important but recognizing crowning indicates that delivery is imminent and requires immediate action.
In contrast to the contractions associated with true labor, Braxton-Hicks contractions:
- A. generally follow rupture of the amniotic sac and occur with regularity.
- B. may be intensified by activity and are accompanied by a pink discharge.
- C. do not increase in intensity and are alleviated by a change in position.
- D. consistently become stronger and are not alleviated by changing position.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular and usually do not increase in intensity. Unlike true labor contractions, they tend to alleviate with a change in position, making option C the correct choice. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Braxton-Hicks contractions do not follow rupture of the amniotic sac, are not intensified by activity or accompanied by a pink discharge, and do not consistently become stronger or are not alleviated by changing position.
During the pediatric assessment process, which scenario would be the LEAST appropriate for the transition phase?
- A. A parent is available to help keep the child calm.
- B. The child is unstable and needs rapid transport.
- C. You determine that the child's condition is stable.
- D. Your transport time is greater than 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a pediatric assessment, the transition phase is a critical period where care is handed over from prehospital providers to the hospital team. If the child is unstable and requires rapid transport, it is not appropriate to delay for a transition phase. In such cases, immediate transport to a higher level of care is paramount to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Choice A is appropriate as having a parent present can help keep the child calm during the transition. Choice C is also appropriate as transitioning a stable child allows for a smoother handover. Choice D, while indicating a longer transport time, does not necessarily affect the need for a transition phase as long as the child's condition remains stable.
A 3-year-old female has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 4 days. She is now unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations and thready radial pulses. Her heart rate is 160 beats/min, and her oxygen saturation is 88%. You should:
- A. Ventilate her with a bag-valve mask.
- B. Start chest compressions.
- C. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask.
- D. Place her in the recovery position.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with unresponsiveness, rapid, shallow respirations, thready pulses, high heart rate, and low oxygen saturation, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Ventilating the child with a bag-valve mask is crucial in this scenario to support her breathing and improve oxygenation, as indicated by her low oxygen saturation and respiratory distress. Starting chest compressions is not indicated as the child has a pulse. Administering high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask may not be as effective as providing positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask in this situation. Placing her in the recovery position is not appropriate when the child is unresponsive and in respiratory distress.